First Test

Lian felt as if his mind was shattering into a thousand pieces.

The pain of each death was still engraved in his soul. Every cut, every stab, every crushing blow he suffered in the void still resonated within him like distorted echoes of endless torture.

He didn't know how much time had passed. Days? Weeks? Months?

All he knew was that he had died more times than he could count.

And yet, he was still there.

Kael watched Lian, his eyes analyzing his state with an almost indifferent gaze.

"You endured more than I expected," he said, crossing his arms.

Lian could barely stand. His legs trembled, his arms felt like lead. But he refused to fall.

"This..." Lian panted, his breathing heavy. "... still isn't enough."

Kael smirked slightly.

"Good answer."

He snapped his fingers.

The room around them began to change.